Because the best marketers deserve great content.

The Marketer’s Guide to Content Marketing World 2017

As marketers we know that content is one of the most important elements of our marketing strategy. That’s why it’s more essential than ever to stay on top what’s happening in the world of content marketing – what are the best companies producing? What are best new platforms (hint: head to Booth #28 at Content Marketing World to see Percolate in action) for aligning, distributing, and measuring your content? Who are the up-and-coming industry leaders you might want to meet, partner with, or hire?

All these questions and more can be answered during Content Marketing World – an annual four-day conference in Cleveland held by the Content Marketing Institute. It’s one of the largest destinations for marketers looking to stay on the cutting edge of branded content. But because of this, it can also be a daunting experience to try to make the most of four short days jam-packed with content and networking opportunities. That said, we’ve got you covered.

Planning makes it possible

We know how important planning is in executing a successful marketing program–and, planning ahead can also make or break your experience at an event as big as Content Marketing World. So, before you do anything, head on over to the Content Marketing World agenda to pick the top sessions you want to attend, vendors you’d like to check out and people you’d like to connect with.

Content Marketing World always draws a selection of high-profile speakers. This year they include Linda Boff, CMO of General Electric, actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Pulitzer Prizing-winning author Colson Whitehead. While we highly recommend attending the big-name sessions, Content Marketing World also presents a great opportunity to discover something new and unexpected. At an event this big, devote at least one half-hour session to “agenda roulette” and see what you find.

CMW attracts a pretty diverse crowd – from brand-side leaders, to agency folk, to tech innovators – so, it’s well worth scoping out who else from your network is attending before you get there. A week or two before the conference, post an update on LinkedIn and Twitter asking who else will be in Cleveland that week. Make sure you leave plenty of time in your conference plans for networking with new contacts and catching up with old ones.

Getting around town

After a thorough poll of our office’s native Ohioans, the best way to get around Cleveland is undoubtedly ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft. While Cleveland does have decent public transport system that can get you around downtown and to-and-from the airport, Clevelanders have embraced the ride-sharing trend, and when in Rome…

Speaking of Cleveland…

We know you’ll keep busy with attending panels, participating in workshop, and networking during Content Marketing World. But everyone needs a break, and everyone has to eat – we’ve got you covered on both fronts.

If you’re looking to grab a quick, casual bite we recommend grabbing tacos at Bakersfield or soul food classics at Southern Cafe. For those looking to impress, head over to the Urban Farmer for upscale offerings in cozy, unpretentious setting.

Need a memorable event to take a colleague, client, or prospect to? While the Cavs aren’t in season until October, Cleveland is full of hidden cultural gems that can more than make up for the lack of basketball.

For theater lovers, check out Playhouse Square – an off-Broadway mecca and midwest theater institution that always has something exciting on. Want some atmosphere and local charm? Take a stroll around West Side Market where you can see and taste the wares of regional vendors and producers from freshly churned ice cream to the day’s freshwater catch. And, for more formal shopping and dining, head over to East 4th St.

Cleveland is somewhat of a beer-lover’s paradise. It’s home to a number of microbreweries including Great Lakes Brewing, Butcher and the Brewer, and Nano Brew, along with a host of other bars and a famed Oktoberfest celebration (for those arriving in Cleveland over Labor Day). There’s certainly no shortage of options when it comes to grabbing a beer or unwinding during the Conference.

See the System

Content Market World is all about discovery ways to make your brand’s content shine. And, helping marketers produce great content is what Percolate does best. In fact, Forrester has named us the leading Content Marketing Platform two years running. That’s why marketing teams at GE, Mastercard, Walmart, and Unilever are already using Percolate to centralize all their content creation workflows.

Still need convincing? Come see it for yourself – drop by Booth #28 on September 6 and 7 or book an appointment with one of our product experts.​ And, while you’re at our booth, take our five-minute quiz for a chance to win an Amazon Echo.